According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Mets are expected to meet with the agent for John Lackey tonight, among many other meetings. Olney adds that he doesn’t know if the Mets would be able to meet his financial demands which are reportedly expected to exceed $100 million dollars according to one report.

Joel Sherman reported via Twitter that the Mets are one of several teams that are looking at Kelvim Escobar who might pitch in Venezuela later this month to prove he is healthy. Escobar had labrum surgery in August of 2008.

Jon Morosi tweeted that there are currently four unknown teams interested in Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit. Ventures a guess that it could be the Giants, Blue Jays and Mariners, but as long as we are venturing guesses would it be okay if I were to speculate, or better yet hope, that the Mets are one of those four teams?

Jerry Crasnick tweeted that Elmer Dessens could still re-sign with the Mets, though the pitcher has talked to the Dodgers and Padres.Apparently the Mets like Dessens because he could be a great influence on Oliver Perez and could help Ollie elevate his game. Wow, what a reach.

You may have heard that rising star Edwin Jackson of the Detroit Tigers, was a a New York Met for about one two minutes today as a comment overheard in the hotel lobby went viral. It wasn’t long until it was officially ruled dead and buried. Now it seems the Yankees could be in on him and Curtis Granderson too for that matter. Bob Nightengale of USA Today said the Tigers are very close to a deal.

According to another tweet from Jayson Stark, the Mets are in a group of seven teams that are all kicking the tires on first baseman Nick Johnson, 31, who is seeking a two-year deal. I believe Johnson is the last thing the Mets need right now, especially coming off a season in which their players logged a record number of days on the Disabled List.

It looks like the St. Louis Cardinals are on the verge of signing pitcher Brad Penny and that only a scheduled physical stands in the way.

Here is a recap of some of the things Mets GM Omar Minaya had to say to reporters this afternoon in Indianapolis.

Brian Costa – Minaya said he believes Mets have trade chips, but, “You don’t always want to trade your prospects to fill your major-league needs.” The Mets plan to check in on Roy Halladay, but that’s kind of like me planning to check in with my local Porsche dealer. Fun to look, but… Ya gotta love Brian who does a bang up job!

Bart Hubbuch – Omar Minaya told reporters in Indy that he will meet with representatives of Pineiro and Wolf tonight. Interest in Marquis, too. Additionally, Minaya says he has “advanced” in trade talks but obviously wouldn’t specify. Doubtful it’s a blockbuster, though. Hubbuch is another great resource to follow on Twitter.

Regarding Twitter, it’s an excellent resource for quick information that can be turned over quickly, but because of it’s 140 character limitation, much of the information is usually choppy and not as detailed as one would like. Still, I love it and would be lost without it.

Don’t forget to tune into SNY’s Mets Hot Stove Tonight at 7 PM where Kevin Burkhardt will provide a full recap of today’s activity at the Baseball Winter Meetings.

I'm a lifelong Mets fan who loves writing and talking about the Amazins' 24/7. From the Miracle in 1969 to the magic of 1986, and even the near misses in '73, '00 and '15, I've experienced it all - the highs and the lows. I started Mets Merized Online in 2005 to feed my addiction and interact with other passionate Met fans like you. Follow me on Twitter @metsmerized.

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